Event

Festival of Colors: Holi NYC (2014)

Festival of Colors: Holi NYC is a joyous celebration of the coming of spring. It is a night of revelry full of DJs, bands, delicious food, and great people. It is a time when social barriers collapse, and all are united in joyful celebration. It is a time to throw vibrantly colored powder at your friends and strangers, and dance together as one huge colorful mass of beautiful people.

FAQ:

Q: What's the deal with this powder stuff? A: You throw it at people, and (with their permission) rub it on their faces.

Q: Won't I get messy though?A: Yes, YOU WILL GET MESSY. Please wear clothing that you won't be too stressed about if it gets colorful. The powder is designed not to stain, but its probably not the evening to be breaking out the white mink.

Q: Is it safe?A: Yes. It's made from cornstarch and food dye. We ask that people refrain from throwing powder into people's eyes or mouth, but accidents do happen. If this worries you, you should consider wearing sunglasses and/or a bandana.

Q: Can I bring my own powder? what about paint?A: Definitely not. Unfortunately we cannot verify that yours is safe like ours is.

Q: Will there be food or drink?A: Yes. There will be a selection of delicious food trucks, and a cash bar.

Q: Can I bring my own refreshments?A: Sorry, but no.

Q: What kind of music will there be? A: We are still booking artists. However, if you want to get an idea, go to festivalofcolors.org and click on "Music". You'll be able to check out the music from previous years. This year we are going to have a slightly more band heavy beginning of the day, with a more electronic evening.

Q: Is there a minimum age?A: For now, the minimum age is 18. We would love to do all ages, but it does not seem possible at this time.

Holi in Inda:

Holi Phagwa is the Hindu festival of colors. It celebrates the coming of spring, fruitful harvests, unity, joy, and a tale from the Bhagavad Gita. It is traditional to celebrate by, among other things, throwing vibrantly colored powder (Holi Gulal) at one another. In addition to the throwing of colored powder it is traditional to light bonfires in celebration of the miraculous escape of a young devotee of the god Vishnu. A demon tried to throw him into a fire, but he escaped without any injuries due to his unshakable devotion. (We of course, will be lighting no bonfires)

One of Holi's biggest customs is the loosening strictness of social structures, which normally include age, sex, status, and caste. Holi closes the wide gaps between social classes and brings Hindus together. Together, the rich and poor, women and men, enjoy each other's presence on this joyous day. Additionally, Holi lowers the strictness of social norms. No one expects the decorum of normal life; as a result, the atmosphere is filled with excitement and joy.